PRESS - selected quotes

"The rather spare music is mesmerizing. The three musicians of HNH all ring the most modern bells throughout... Possibly the most illuminating aspect of all of the disc’s offering is the myriad of contrasts of tonal color and harmonic language which grasps the human ear with spectacular sharpness and heat. All of the pieces require utmost precision of pitch, seamless unfolding of lines and clarity of texture for the music to work its wonders on the mind’s ear."

“The collaborations between these two giants, Perelman and Shipp, are innumerable, and the interplay they have achieved between them is impressive...here we can find them accompanied by Joe Hertenstein on percussion, a genuine human powerhouse, whose dry and precise drumming style serves as an amazing accompaniment for the flights of fancy of the two companions. "Scalene" is an intense and deep album, on the borderline between jazz and contemporary music, but powerful and lyrical just the same, and an additional testimony to the talents of these musicians."
(“Scalene”, LeoRecords)

Scalene w Perelman/Shipp LeoRecords

"Four approaches to free improvisation highlight individualism on the drums. On Perelman's Scalene JOE HERTENSTEIN plays with a driving, chattery approach incorporating rubato elements in his delivery."

www.moderndrummer.com

"The very classy Joe Hertenstein shows true empathy by following and commenting on the meandering, winding evolution of the two inseparable duetters Perelman and Shipp."

"Perelman is playing at a very high level..Shipp as always is an absolute rock..they are a potent combination under any circumstances, but adding Hertenstein to the picture pours gas on the fire and makes the music even more exciting and edgy."

"The music in the end is tightly focused, free yet considered, exemplary of the art of avant improv today. Hertenstein, Niggenkemper and Heberer are making music of real importance, music gratifying to hear, exciting to experience, filled with singular artistry. These are three of the best and their confluence is nothing short of auspicious on this set. Get to this one if you can. It's very worth your time!"

"Using the structures in no way restricts the interaction of the musicians - it is extremely intense and strongly affects the emotions of the audience. Sometimes I had the feeling that it was not recorded, but HNH are playing right next to my doorstep. And this is not the merit of the equipment, because I just used my ipod. In my opinion, the most vivid, pulsating energy and groove recording of improvised music which I had the opportunity to encounter this year. Necessary!"

"Hertenstein is a master at complementing his band mates' gait." (FUTURE DRONE)

“Everything is free of pretense and consists of in the moment mindful creativity. The music on this album blends the talent of three unique musicians in dramatic fashion, showcasing their captivating and climactic music.” (FUTURE DRONE)

"Part of NYC’s growing diaspora of German musicians, again drummer Joe Hertenstein shows his maturity as a performer and composer." (POLYLEMMA)

"Everyone plays creatively, but Hertenstein’s drums are a standout." (POLYLEMMA)

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"Drummer Joe Hertenstein produced, wrote the liner notes & half of the songs and led this session. Hertenstein's superb drums spin quickly and effortlessly on "One Ocean at a Time", providing the glue that holds this complex, ever-shifting piece together. Even at just 46 minutes, this disc is completely successful, ultimately crafty and often surprising in direction throughout." (POLYLEMMA)

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"Enough can’t be said about the toe-tapping swing of Hertenstein – the drummer has the subtle complexity of an Ed Blackwell, able to patch infectious rhythms into the most abstract of group improvisations." (HNH)

"Hertenstein practices that loose time-keeping so prevalent in Europe that the ignorant use to claim that an entire continent can’t swing." (HNH)

"...especially when the parade ground pastiche of Joe Hertenstein's drums seem to be shaping the music from the bottom up." (JamesChoiceOrchestra, Live in Moers)